The best low calorie foods for you are those that are nutrient dense. This means they contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that naturally help you to maintain a healthy body weight. In addition, nutrient-dense low calorie foods also make us feel full, prevent food cravings and unhealthy eating out of convenience. Learn to rely on a few low calorie foods that promote health and contribute to your weight loss and or weight management naturally.
Fruits
Berries are packed with nutrients and vitamins. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, among others, contain high amounts of antioxidants, which decelerate aging and amp up fat-burning. Raspberries, in particular, contain ketones that act as potent fat burners in the body. Apples, oranges, pears and grapes are other fruit choices that are low-glycemic and full of antioxidants and vitamins.
Vegetables
Vegetables contain tons of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, yet they contain few calories. Their natural fiber content can fill you up, and their antioxidants eliminate free radicals to combat the process of aging. Examples include asparagus, peppers, romaine lettuce, arugula, watercress, mustard greens, spinach and bok choy. Cruciferous vegetables are the all stars of the greens, and they include broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Broccoli, for example, is high in fiber, calcium, beta-carotene and Vitamin C.
Lean Proteins
Turkey, chicken, fish and lean cuts of beef provide excellent sources of protein. Protein is naturally low in calories, but it also has a thermic effect. Not all calories are created equally, according to Mackie Shilstone's "The Fat Burning Bible." Digesting protein takes so much more energy than processing carbohydrates that our bodies actually burn more calories at rest.
Beans
Lima, kidney, white, black, navy, pinto and garbanzo beans--there are many to choose from. These low-calories wonders are loaded with fiber to keep you full and promote intestinal and colon health. These low-glycemic carbohydrates, proteins and fibers are great additions to your diet.
Whey Protein
Whey protein comes from milk. It is fast digesting, helping to build muscle and burn fat. Add it to fruit smoothies for a fat-burning, hunger-busting boost. Whey protein is low in calories and makes a great snack between meals to promote healthy body weight.
Oatmeal
Unsweetened oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which can reduce cholesterol and make you feel full. Oatmeal's low-glycemic carbohydrates also promote slow digestion to keep energy levels high for hours. Add oatmeal to smoothies or eat it with fruit for breakfast for a healthy low calorie start to your day.
Whole-Grain Bread and Pasta
Whole-grains contain large amounts of B vitamins and essential minerals. When it comes to bread and pasta, the less processed the grains are, the better they are for you. Try sprouted grain breads with no flour. For pasta, go with the whole-wheat or brown-rice varieties. They taste great and contain low-glycemic carbs and more fiber than their more processed counterparts.
References
- "The Abs Diet;" David Zinczenko; 2004
- "The Fat Burning Bible;" Mackie Shilstone; 2005
- "Combat the Fat;" Jeff Anderson; 2009
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